2nd Hand Filter

[Spank]

I've just bought a tank that came with an Eheim Wet/dry filter. Filter looks great but was wandering about a few things to get it back into working order.

What media would you all recommend, I was thinking 1 basket full of the ceramic tubes and 2 of eheim substrat I already have carbon in my other external filter but will I need more? I'm going for a south american themed tank. Also Does the bit on the outside of the filter (I'm assuming the wet/dry component) need any maintenance?

what's the best way to clean old 'n manky pipes and tubes??

Thanks for your help
HAnk

 

[Spank]

anyone??
*bump*

 

[blue acara]

the stuff youre putting into the filter sounds good. i dont use carbon on my filters, apparantly it is good for removing meds and stains in the water-needs to be changed often, or it will have no effect.

i have never used the wet/dry eheim so im dont know about that, however i guess you should clean the wet/dry component as you would clean the other bits of the filter.

when i clean my filter tubes i use the hose from a gravel vac, it perfectly fits inside the eheim tubes. youre tubes may be dry with the dirt more difficalt to get off, id say soak them in water so the dirt inside is easier to remove, then use a gravel vac hose in them.